Instruction

Pursuing instruction is beneficial to becoming an independent paddler. Learn how to make the sea kayak an extension of yourself!

The vast variety of conditions and challenges you can experience on the ocean, lakes and rivers requires an ever-growing knowledge and intimacy of: boat handling skills and maneuvers, rescue techniques, navigation, backcountry/wilderness living, and the marine environment.
The past 17 years of coaching, instructing, and guiding, along with training and certification throughBritish Canoe Union, American Canoe Associationand International Sea Kayak Guide Association allows us to offer the greatest synthesis of this experience.

Pursuing instruction also allows you to join us and others on increasingly more challenging and exciting trips. Check out theMulti-day and Expeditionpages for the range of trips we offer.

The series of courses below allows you to choose a progression or jump from one progression to another. The courses are scheduled such that there are multiple opportunities each month for all the courses. For additional information see course description and course schedule pages.

Flat Water Courses

Getting Started:

Introduction to Paddling:

Learn the basics strokes and rescues applicable to sea kayaking, river kayaking, or packrafting. This is a great way to learn about all the appropriate gear, put it on, and go play on the water. It’s fun and educational; the perfect way to satisfy your curiosity about paddle sports. Course is 7 hours $200/person including dry suit, kayak and gear. Offered daily with a 2 person minimum Venue: flat water ACA Level 1

Sea Kayaking Fundamentals: ACA Level 1 and 2

2 days of kayak control and maneuvering skills, rescue techniques and trip planning: discussions about what to bring with you while kayaking and why to bring it, interpreting weather forecasts, reading charts and maps.2 day course $350/person including dry suit, kayak and gearOffered evey weekend. 4 person minimum Venue: flat water ACA Level 1

Introducing Conditions: Wind, Waves, and Current

Take your flat water skills into conditions! Continue with the model of building upon the solid foundation established in the Flat Water Courses. These courses begin to reveal the truly dynamic nature of sea kayaking.

Beyond the Fundamentals: ACA Level 3

Refining your skills and taking them into conditions. Once you’ve mastered the basics, take it up a notch! Learn how to blend strokes for more complicated maneuvers and rescues while managing minor wind, waves and or current.

Embracing Conditions: Intermediate Wind, Waves, and Current

Here again we build upon the confidence and experience gained from Flat Water and Introduction to Condition courses putting you in more challenging and dynamic conditions.

Intermediate Current: ACA Level 4

There are many places where the sea behaves like a river! Learn where this occurs and why this happens, all while taking your skill set to the next level. Learn how to embrace theses areas and seek them out as a source of challenge and play.

Comprehensive II:
Putting it all together

5 days of camping, kayaking, learning and FUN! This is the 2nd in our series of comprehensive courses. We’ll be looking for wind, waves and current to continue challenging your intermeditate skillset. More advanced trip planning, navigation, rescues and skills while on the move.

$550/day minimum 4 people Includes dry suit, kayak and gear.

“Beginner or Expert you will be in great hands!!”

I've worked with Ryan to complete my American Canoe Guide certification as well as taken many other refresher courses from him. He is an excellent instructor - demonstrating incredible skill, patience and good humour throughout the courses. Ryan displayed widespread knowledge from rescue scenarios to refining paddle strokes to the local fauna and flora. He is impressive with his ability to create a friendly environment which let his student grow in confidence and master the skills necessary to complete the course without feeling pressured or anxious in any way. Any day on the water with Ryan and you will notice his passion for life and be sure to have a great time. Worth every penny!!